Who was
Dr. Mark Cook?
Dr. Mark Cook, a distinguished professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, was a trailblazer in poultry science and nutrition. His groundbreaking research and entrepreneurial ventures reshaped the landscape of animal agriculture and human health. Through his dedication to teaching and mentorship, Dr. Cook inspired countless students and colleagues, leaving a lasting impact on academia and industry alike.
Revolutionizing Antibiotic Alternatives in Poultry Industry
In 2015, Cook helped form Ab E Discovery LLC to advance the finding that chickens can produce a protein that blocks a signal used by bacteria to shut down the host immune system. The protein is grown in eggs and sprayed on animal feed to replace antibiotics. Given the drive to replace those ubiquitous drugs in the meat industry, Ab E Discovery LLC could be poised for rapid growth.
Mark Cook, known for his humility and collaborative spirit, inspired creativity and innovation without seeking personal acclaim. He devoted over a decade to teaching the introductory animal science course with enthusiasm and rigor, earning high regard from his students. As a mentor, Cook gave graduate students the independence to succeed and learn from mistakes, fostering their development as confident researchers. Maria Arendt credits Cook for her veterinary degree, highlighting his unwavering support and vision for her career, even when she doubted herself.
Mark Cook, a modest yet exceptionally capable scientist, transformed research funding by emphasizing patents and royalties over federal grants, ensuring the practical application of his discoveries. His approach led to the formation of the 2014 Discovery to Product (D2P) initiative, a collaboration between UW–Madison and WARF that supports faculty, staff, and student business ideas, resulting in fifteen new businesses. John Biondi, D2P's founding director, lauded Cook as a rare "triple threat" for his excellence in teaching, research, and entrepreneurship, effectively bridging academia and commercial innovation.
